June 2014 Peoria Healthy Cells Magazine Page 41

dental implants
L
ost or missing teeth can have a serious moment-to-moment
impact on your life. Without all your teeth firmly in place,
you may have difficulty eating, speaking, and smiling. You
are also at an increased risk of bone loss and, if several teeth
are missing, your appearance may be altered. These effects can
cause damage both mentally and physically, meaning finding a
viable solution is crucial to your health. Over the last 20 years,
dental experts have perfected tooth replacement in the form of
the dental implant. Dental implants are not only well-made repli-
cas of your natural teeth, they also deliver natural function its
as if you never lost any of your teeth.
Uncovering viable tooth replacements is an essential science.
Nearly 70 percent of the adult population is suffering from the loss
of at least one permanent tooth due to accidents, tooth decay,
or gum disease. Over the past two decades, dental experts have
perfected the dental implant to be an ideal solution.
Dental implants are made from titanium alloy and can replace
one or several teeth. This procedure involves inserting a titanium
post into the jawbone, which is fitted with a crown to exactly rep-
licate the appearance of a natural tooth. Over time, the titanium
fuses with the jawbone and the implant essentially becomes part
of the body. This effect ensures that the implant not only lasts
a lifetime, but that it preserves all the functions of the teeth and
protects the health of the bone and surrounding tissue.
Dental implants have a 95 percent success rate and are a
suitable option for most healthy adults. Dental implants cost
less than dentures and bridges, when you consider that they
rarely have to be replaced. Most dentures and bridges have to
be replaced two to three times in a lifetime.
Most patients report positive outcomes with dental implants.
Due to the natural feel and function of implants, patients can
A Viable Solution
to Missing Teeth
By Ravichandra Juluri, DDS, Maple Shade Dental Group
return to their normal lifestyle; there are no limitations of food
choices, activities, or the need to re-learn speaking, laughing,
or chewing. And, dental implants ensure that you look as good
as you feel, supporting the facial structure, too.
Qualifications for Dental Implants
Heal thy i ndi vi dual s whose teeth, gums, and ti ssues have
reached full physical maturity and have experienced tooth loss
are all candidates for dental implants. Your dentist will review
your medical history carefully and discuss your lifestyle to ensure
dental implants are the best choice for you. Some considerations
include:
Existing medical conditions: Patients with poorly managed
hypertension or diabetes may not be the ideal candidates for
dental implants. Your dentist can help you assess your condi-
tion to determine success of the procedure.
Dental issues: Patients susceptible to cavities or who suffer
from gum disease are still candidates for dental implants. Your
dentist can work with you to address these issues and ensure
the implant will be a success.
Use of dentures or partials: Implants may replace or stabilize
other tooth-replacement devices.
Smokers: Smoki ng negati vel y i mpacts your overal l dental
health. While smokers are still eligible for dental implants, it is
advised that they quit smoking to optimally benefit their overall
health.
For gentle dental and orthodontics care for the entire fam-
ily, call the Maple Shade Dental Group at 309-285-8376 or visit
mapleshadecenter.com for more information.
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4625 N. University Peoria, IL
309.681.8850
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